A Handshake From Antimicrobial Stewardship Opens Doors for Infectious Disease Consultations

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Stewardship
• Hospital Administration

Background:

• Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are crucial for optimizing antibiotic use and combating resistance.
• The potential impact of ASPs on infectious disease (ID) consultation services requires further investigation.
• Understanding interdepartmental collaboration is key in quaternary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of implementing an in-person pediatric antimicrobial stewardship program on infectious disease consultation volume.
• To determine if ASP implementation complements or competes with infectious disease services.
• To assess the collaborative relationship between ASPs and ID departments in a children's hospital.

Main Methods:

• A unique, in-person pediatric antimicrobial stewardship program was implemented at a quaternary care children's hospital.
• Infectious disease consultation data were collected and analyzed pre- and post-implementation.
• Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of changes in consultation volume.

Main Results:

• The implementation of the pediatric ASP was associated with a significant increase in infectious disease consultations.
• No evidence of competition between the ASP and the ID consultation service was observed.
• The findings suggest a synergistic relationship between stewardship and infectious disease services.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs can enhance, not hinder, infectious disease consultation services.
• The study supports the integration of ASPs as a collaborative partner within pediatric healthcare systems.
• Effective stewardship initiatives contribute to the overall strength and efficiency of infectious disease departments.